AVSIM Commercial Aircraft Review LOCKHEED SR-71A "BLACKBIRD"

Every once in a while something different comes around for flight simmers to enjoy! Other than the usual genre of Airline aircraft of all makes and models, comes the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird for FS2000. This one's created by Graham "Dotcom" Waterfield and the Phoenix Team.

Reader Survey This survey is intended for those that have used this add-on. If you have used it, please let your fellow simulation enthusiasts know how you rate it by taking this survey. Please, if you have not used this product, do not take this poll (you can view the poll from the "Results" link below). - Review Poll - Have you used the Phoenix SR71? Excellent Good Average I can live with it Taking it off my system Results

[A note about "real world" SR-71 aircraft photos: you'll find excellent photo galleries of the SR-71 at Firebirdv8's SR71 and Aircraft Site.]

History

The history of the Blackbird started as a concept developed at Lockheed's famous Skunk works in California. The USAF needed a very fast, high altitude, virtually radar invisible recon aircraft. At the time the U-2 was used for such mission; however, one of them flown by Gary Francis Powers was shot down by a surface to air missile (SAM) over the Soviet Union! Although it operated at very high altitudes and great speeds, it was picked up on radar and shot down! Of course this caused a serious incident between the U.S and the USSR during the cold war!

But Lockheed was working on something entirely new, which could fly at 85,000, with speeds reaching Mach 3.2+! This aircraft, equipped with all the latest electronic surveillance and counter measure equipment available, was called the SR-71 and affectionately known as "The Blackbird!" A unique characteristic of the Blackbird—which the U-2 didn't have—was "stealth" capability. The Blackbird's radar signature was only 1% of that of a B-52, which made it virtually radar invisible. This made recon easier and safer for missions over hostile territories without being detected. Its maiden flight was in 1959; regular recon flights started in 1964, until the advent of spy satellites and super science that created them. The SR-71's covered virtually every inch of the Earth's surface during its long reign in the skies! Today, it no longer flies; however, it will always stand for its many achievements—it's the best recon aircraft the Air Force ever had!

(spacing)

The plane

As for the flying model for the FS2000, I flown it many times before writing this review and really enjoyed it! The SR-71 is very different to the feel of flying a conventional airliner. With its fast take off speeds, you get the feel of g-force pushing you back in the seat, and reaching 85,000 feet within a few minutes! The sounds that came this file are nothing short of great— especially due to the super sound handling of the FS 2000—these engines sound very close to the real thing which lends to the realism of the aircraft. However, it doesn't include a panel, so you'll have to search for one if you want to stay with realism (see link address below for a recommended SR-71 panel). The Phoenix files include the panel config for the default Lear 45 panel.

While flying around in the Blackbird, put it on autopilot and take a look around the outside of the aircraft. The texture files are awesome and have to be seen to be appreciated. With your thrust at maximum, check out the blue flame coming out of the engines! The Blackbird handles very well, and lands easy—a little faster than an airliner—so this takes a little practice to get use to. However, during your flight, don't try to make any radical turns; in real life, hard banking at mach 2 or better is very dangerous for the aircraft and pilot! You can easily loose control and crash, providing you don't tear the wings of first.

All and all, the SR-71 "Blackbird" is a great addition to your aircraft files as well as your flight sim experience. I recommend it very highly and I've rated it highly for Phoenix's excellence in design, flight dynamics and sound. You can download aircraft here. And you'll enjoy their recommended panel, Phil Perrot's sr71pnl.zip. (See screenshots below.)

Real panel - Forward position

Real panel - Aft position

 

Phil Perrot's panel